Spring cleaning may be some people’s idea of satisfaction, but my shoe rack is transitioning from winter to summer. Although I love them throughout the colder months, and honestly most of spring, it feels so refreshing to take off my clunky boots and bulky trainers. In their place come all the sleek trending sandals and flip-flops that I miss so much. However, for many people, myself included, polished ballet flats reign supreme. It signals that warmer weather has arrived, and that means I no longer have to wear dozens of layers to stay warm — including feet.
Whenever I make these edits to my shoe collection every summer, I also love finding some brand new options to grace my shoe rack. This year, I’ve spotted several non-ballet flat shoe trends to wear this summer, which has helped me fill up my cart. The shoes are great and approved by the most fashionable people.
This doesn’t mean that I have a vendetta against ballet flats. That style of shoe isn’t going anywhere. However, I think versatility is the key to a summer wardrobe that doesn’t feel stale. And after years of wearing these off and on, I’m looking for a little respite from this classic shape.
With a few other shoe options to choose from, it’s easy to create looks you’ll love wearing from June through September. In particular, I’ve noticed a love for suede and toe-straps Sandals for more summery options, as well as the always-on-trend red and black flip-flops. Advanced trainers are also in the mix, like ballet-inspired satin sneakers and those with a sleek, slim-sole profile. Sleek slingback flats are also making an appearance, so you’re never short of options.
We’ve collected six other options that fashionistas are currently loving that can easily replace ballet flats, whether you love them for their beauty, great decor or fun color combination.
6 non-ballet-flat shoe trends to wear this summer
1. Satin Trainers
Style Notes: If you appreciate the elegant beauty of ballet flats, you can display the same energy Satin trainers. They’re a soft and delicate alternative to sharp-looking shoes and also offer a little more polish than a standard pair of trainers. These look beautiful with everything from shorts to skirts and sundresses.
Shop what’s trending:
half brand
bridge satin beige
The cinched back and patterned sole make this pair a ton of fun.
Miu Miu
plum satin sneakers
They come in baby pink, light blue and cocoa brown.
dry van noten
Leather-Trimmed Shell Sneakers
I love that these trainers come in a shade of periwinkle which you won’t find everywhere.
2. Toe-Wrap Sandals
Style Notes: I’m always on the lookout for different pairs of sandals, and even the smallest details can make a difference in how a sandal looks. This is especially true with this trend featuring wraps around the toe. This summer, many brands like The Row, Ayde have made their mark. Isabel Marant, and are adding this style to this year’s collections, as well as high-street brands Mango and Zara.
Shop what’s trending:
Improvement
Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Flat Sandal
Summer was made for Cobalt’s pop.
Mango
Leather Strap Sandals with Metallic Details
These sandals have embellishments that I like to call shoe ornaments, which makes your outfit more attractive.
ATP Atelier
Rosa Black Leather Cutout Sandals
A great sandal shape that I’m putting front and center on my summer shoe rack.
3. Red and Black Flip-Flops
Style Notes: If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve probably noticed a sandal color combination popping up time and time again. Red and black flip-flops are everywhere, courtesy of The Row, which released sandals with this color scheme last summer. They’re staying strong, and brands have since created their own variations on the trend, and both fashionistas and celebrities love it. Two-tone styles. They look great peeking out from under the hems of linen trousers and jeans.
Shop what’s trending:
ancient greek sandals
Sayonara Jelly PVC Flip Flops
The jelly strap is very old.
These look very similar to The Row Dune flip-flops, which are almost always sold out.
A.Emery
patton leather sandals
Another great take on this color combination.
4. Slingback Flats
Style Notes: A blend of sophistication The kitten heel is a slingback flat with the ease of a ballet flat. A pointed toe gives this shoe an impressively sleek shape that works great for nicer occasions, and is even better for making a simple, minimalist outfit like jeans and a white vest look even more polished.
Shop what’s trending:
AEYDE
Amelia Suede Slingback Ballet Flats
This color and soft suede finish is a beautiful choice for both spring and summer.
Stray Shoemakers
Delia Ballet Flats
Black slingbacks look great for a holiday dinner out or to wear with jeans.
Boden
High Cut Flat Point-Red Weave
The woven, vibrant and barely-there heel makes them a great summer alternative to your typical ballet flats.
5. Suede Sandals
Style Notes: As far as immediate material is concerned, Suede is at the top of this summer’s shoe trend. The suede texture adds a softness to the sandals that feels right for the season. From flip-flops to tie-up sandals to toe straps, suede in all colors is gaining more and more popularity. Khaki, brown, and beige are current fashion-people favorites, but I’ve also seen some red and cobalt blue options.
Shop what’s trending:
These give you two trends in one: suede sandals And In toe-wrap style.
Improvement
Luna Flat Sandals
This is the most ethereal shade of blue. Perfect for summer.
Scheduled Tribe. fire
suede woven flip flops
The knitted footbed is a subtle but interesting detail on this pair.
6. Slimline Trainers
Style Notes: Chunky trainers have their place, but when summer arrives, light and sleek always seem more relevant. This is why there has been a significant increase in the most fashionable people choosing trainers with a less bulky profile. sneakerinas, Mesh trainers and sneakers with barely-there soles are part of the rotations I’ve seen.
Shop what’s trending:
just a little
Mesh Trainers with Pull Tab
Mesh and thin sole for ideal shoes in hot weather.
Nike
LD-1000 Leather and Brushed Suede-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers
The soft shape of this shoe is very easy to style.
dear francis
bat trainer
Dear Francis’ iconic mesh trainer. these also come leather In a uniform, attractive profile.
